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A proposal to relocate the Albion Park Rail-based rescue helicopter to Nowra has met the same fierce community opposition directed towards the plan to move the chopper to Sydney.
The Illawarra’s emergency services, Rotary clubs and the South Coast Labor Council have all condemned the possible move to Nowra, citing concerns about response times and patient safety.
Emergency services staff gathered at the aeromedical retrieval helicopter base at Albion Park Rail last Thursday to discuss the issue after the Illawarra Mercury reported the service would remain on the South Coast but the crew could be transferred to Nowra to provide greater coverage of the region.
The latest development follows an independent review of NSW aeromedical services for the state government.
It suggested moving the chopper to Sydney would save millions without ‘‘significantly affecting’’ patient response times.
Illawarra Rotary clubs have been circulating a petition by Kiama MP Gareth Ward calling for the government to keep the helicopter at Albion Park Rail. It has attracted about 5000 signatures.
Rotary Club of Wollongong president Leigh Robinson said Nowra was no different to Sydney in response times.
‘‘The aim of our campaign is to retain the chopper service at Albion Park.
‘‘There’s no other option,’’ he said.
Mr Robinson said Nowra would cause greater problems than Albion Park Rail.
‘‘As I understand all the paramedics must live within 30 minutes of their base. None of the current paramedics would fit the bill and they’d have to train up new people.’’
There was also controlled airspace around Nowra due to HMAS Albatross and Mr Robinson feared the helicopter would also be used for work in Canberra and much further south.
Mr Ward said he wanted a aeromedical helicopter in the region but it had to be in the right location based on evidence.
‘‘It’s used for emergency service works in difficult-to-reach locations. Where are most of the call-outs to and where is the greatest good going to be done for the greatest number?’’ Mr Ward said.
‘‘I don’t necessarily support Albion Park or Nowra. I support keeping the helicopter in the region and in the location that best serves the community. A life in Wollongong is not worth any more or less than a life in the Shoalhaven.’’
Wollongong MP Noreen Hay said the Nowra option was a ‘‘political stunt’’ and the community had made it clear over many years that the helicopter should be in greater Wollongong.
South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris said it was ‘‘nasty politics’’ to pit one community against another.
‘‘We know we are an industrial base, we know we’ve got the escarpment and other recreational uses,’’ he said. ‘‘Every minute counts when you are talking about road trauma, sports and industrial injuries...we’ve got a pressing need here.’’
He said there were eight helicopters north of Sydney and one south – the solution was an extra helicopter on the South Coast.
To sign the petition email president@wollongongrotary.org.au or call 1300 768 180